There is a theory currently held by some conservative biblical scholars and many evangelical Christians known as the gap theory.  The theory posits a gap of time between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2.  Essentially, the theory proposes that Genesis 1:1 presents the original creation of the universe.  There then followed a lengthy period of thousands, or even millions of years.  It is believed that the initial cosmos was then destroyed and thrown into chaos.  Genesis 1:2 presents the beginning of a re-creation and reconstruction process.  Proponents of the theory assert that  the words “the earth was without form and void” should be rendered “became without form and void.”  Often the argument is offered that God would not create something formless and void, i.e., chaotic.